We are seeking applications from highly-motivated PhD candidates to join the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sheffield. The successful candidate will join the Fluids group working on the computational modelling of multiphase gas-liquid flows on a fully-funded 3.5 years PhD studentship.
Multiphase gas-liquid flows have a prominent role in multiple technologies that will lead our path towards a net-zero energy system. In nuclear thermal hydraulics, multiphase flows allow the cooling of water-cooled reactors through boiling in the core and in the steam generators, and determine the success of safety systems in mitigating the impact of many loss of coolant accidents. Multiphase flows govern the aeration of bioreactors and the production of hydrogen in electrolysers. In nature, the multiphase interaction between winds and the sea surface generates waves that interact with floating vessels and offshore wind turbines.
The project will develop new digital modelling capabilities in gas-liquid multiphase flows and will be focused on predicting and further understanding mechanisms of heat and mass transfer across the interface and the dynamics that governs interface morphology and the transition between flow regimes. The range of length scales in multiphase flows is large and can span from microscopic bubbles to very large interface structures between stratified gas and liquid streams. The project will necessarily address this challenge using a multiscale approach and a combination of Computational Fluid Dynamics tools and techniques. High-fidelity Direct Numerical simulations will be used to understand the physics of the interfaces at the smallest scale. On the other hand, macroscopic multifluid models will be applied on industrial flows at the equipment scale level. Complementing the two, the candidate will explore the development of new data-driven techniques to embed knowledge from high-fidelity simulations into macroscopic models. Preferred targets of the project will be nuclear thermal hydraulics and low-carbon energy applications and the candidate will have the opportunity to interact with the vibrant and world-leading research on the topics ongoing in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Applicants should have (or about to receive) a degree in engineering, physics or applied mathematics that is at least a UK 2:1 honours grade or its international equivalents. Previous experience with coding and CFD programming is desirable but not mandatory.
If you are interested in applying and wish to discuss any detail of the project informally please contact Dr Marco Colombo ([Email Address Removed]).
How To Apply
Applications should be made at: http://www.shef.ac.uk/mecheng/phd/applying
Applications should include:
- Personal statement
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two reference letters
- Degree transcripts to date
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